U.S. patent number 6,853,543 [Application Number 10/046,508] was granted by the patent office on 2005-02-08 for pop-up laptop keyboard.
This patent grant is currently assigned to BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation. Invention is credited to Darryl Cynthia Moore, Edward Michael Silver.
United States Patent |
6,853,543 |
Moore , et al. |
February 8, 2005 |
Pop-up laptop keyboard
Abstract
An ergonomic laptop computer or other apparatus is disclosed
that provides a user a with a more comfortable angle for the user's
wrists and hands while using the apparatus. The apparatus includes
a keyboard housing having a top surface comprising a plurality of
keys, a bottom surface operationally connected to a main computer
body and positioning supports connected to the keyboard housing
that extend and adjust to allow the keyboard to change its slope
relative to the main computer body. The apparatus may be standard
on laptop computers or sold as a retrofit kit that replaces
existing non-ergonomic laptop keyboards.
Inventors: |
Moore; Darryl Cynthia (Conyers,
GA), Silver; Edward Michael (Atlanta, GA) |
Assignee: |
BellSouth Intellectual Property
Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
|
Family
ID: |
34102353 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/046,508 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.12;
400/682 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
1/1667 (20130101); G06F 1/1616 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
1/16 (20060101); G06F 001/16 () |
Field of
Search: |
;361/680
;400/680-682 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Schuberg; Darren
Assistant Examiner: Edwards; Anthony Q.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Merchant & Gould
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus comprising: a main body; a keyboard housing having
a top surface, a bottom surface operationally connected to the main
body, a front edge closest to a user, a back edge farthest from the
user and two side edges; and a positioning support functionally
connected to the keyboard housing operable for extending and
adjusting a slope of the keyboard housing such that the keyboard
housing is positioned at a plurality of angles between an open
position and a closed position relative to the main body, wherein
the positioning support comprises a thumbscrew.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more
additional positioning supports.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the
keyboard housing comprises a plurality of keys.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positioning support is
attached at one end to at least one of: the top surface, the bottom
surface, the front edge, the back edge, and the two side edges of
the keyboard housing.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the keyboard housing defines
an embedded compartment in the main body.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front edge of the keyboard
housing is pivotally connected to the main body.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positioning support
provides for continuous slope adjustment of the keyboard
housing.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the keyboard top surface is
flush with the main body when the positioning support is
retracted.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a
laptop computer body.
10. An ergonomic apparatus, comprising: a keyboard housing having a
top surface, a bottom surface functionally connected to a main
body, a front edge closest to a user, a back edge farthest from the
user and two side edges; and a positioning support operable for
adjusting a slope of the keyboard housing such that the keyboard
housing is positioned at a plurality of angles between an open
position and a closed position in relation to the main body,
wherein the positioning support comprises a thumbscrew.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising one or more
additional positioning supports.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the top surface of the
keyboard housing comprises a plurality of keys.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the positioning support is
attached at one end to at least one of: the top surface, the bottom
surface, the front edge, the back edge, and the two side edges of
the keyboard housing.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the keyboard housing is
standard equipment on a new laptop computer.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the keyboard housing defines
an embedded compartment in the main body.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the front edge of the
keyboard housing is pivotally connected to the main body.
17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the positioning support
provides for continuous slope adjustment of the keyboard
housing.
18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the keyboard top surface is
flush with the main body when the positioning support is
retracted.
19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the main body comprises a
laptop computer body.
20. A process for retrofitting a laptop computer, comprising:
replacing an exiting keyboard with a keyboard housing comprising a
positioning support operable for adjusting a slope of the keyboard
housing such that the keyboard housing is positioned at a plurality
of angles between an open position and a closed position in
discrete steps such that the keyboard housing is adjustable to
varying angles desired by a user in relation to an underlying main
body, wherein the positioning support comprises a thumbscrew.
21. The process of claim 20, wherein the keyboard housing comprises
a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge closest to a user, a
back edge farthest from the user and two side edges.
22. process of claim 20, wherein the underlying main body comprises
a laptop computer body.
23. The process of claim 20, wherein the keyboard housing further
comprising one or more additional positioning supports.
24. The process of claim 20, wherein the top surface of the
keyboard housing comprises a plurality of keys.
25. The process of claim 20, wherein the positioning support is
attached at one end to at least one of: the top surface, the bottom
surface, the front edge, the back edge, and the two side edges of
the keyboard housing.
26. The process of claim 20, wherein the front edge of the keyboard
housing is pivotally connected to the main body.
27. The process of claim 20, wherein the positioning support
provides for continuous slope adjustment of the keyboard
housing.
28. The process of claim 21, wherein the keyboard top surface is
flush with the main body when the positioning support is
retracted.
29. The process of claim 20, wherein the keyboard housing is
operationally connected to the main body by at least one of: a
wire, wireless, and an infra-red interface.
30. The process of claim 20, wherein the keyboard housing comprises
an ergonomic keyboard housing.
31. An ergonomic keyboard comprising: a main body; a keyboard
housing having a top surface, a bottom surface operationally
connected to the main body, a front edge closest to a user, a back
edge farthest from the user and two side edges; and a positioning
support functionally connected to the keyboard housing operable for
extending and adjusting a slope of the keyboard housing relative to
the main body, wherein the positioning support comprises a
thumbscrew.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus used in a
laptop computer that aids in the comfort and ease of use of the
device. The present invention relates specifically to an adjustable
keyboard used in a laptop computer or other electronic device that
is more ergonomically efficient than conventional laptop computer
keyboards.
BACKGROUND
Personal computers are commonly used at the workplace and at home.
As people become more dependent on personal computers, time spent
using them has increased. Modem ergonomics theory and experience
teaches that improper posture of human bodies during the use of
computers can produce many types of repetitive, stress and strain
injuries, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and eye fatigue.
Conventional theory holds that, in an ergonomically arranged
computer unit, the keyboard should be arranged at elbow level while
the arms are parallel to the body, and the top of the display unit
should be at approximately eye level, or at most 15 degrees below.
Manufacturers of desktop computers have taken steps to design their
products to alleviate these repetitive-type stress injuries. One
example of such an advancement involves using a split keyboard as
opposed to a traditional keyboard. In a split keyboard, the
keyboard is separated in the middle and the two separate halves are
angled in order to allow the wrists to be held in a more natural
position while typing.
The typical laptop computer (also referred to as portable personal
computers or notebook computers) includes a display screen housing
hinged to a main computer base housing. The display screen housing
folds down against the main computer base housing where the two
housings latch together. The main computer base housing includes
the keyboard, disk drives, input/output ports, battery pack, and
all hardware associated with running, processing and storing
data.
Many conventional laptop computers are not used in an ergonomic
fashion. Laptop computers have become more commonplace due to
improvements in micro-processing.
Many conventional laptop computers are not used in an ergonomic
fashion. Laptop computers have become more commonplace due to
improvements in micro-processing speed, weight reduction, battery
life, display technology, Internet accessibility, and
affordability. As laptop computer technology continues to improve
and approaches that of desktop computers, more and more users will
use laptop computers as their sole computer device.
While there have been ergonomic improvements incorporated into
desktop computers, the small size and need for portability of
laptop computers have prevented manufacturers from incorporating
many of these ergonomic advances into laptop computers. While some
laptop manufacturers have attempted to implement ergonomic
advances, such as the split keyboard, further advances are
needed.
BRIEF SUMMARY
In the present invention, keyboard positioning supports are
presented that are used to adjust the height, slope or angle of a
keyboard, with respect to and from the base of a laptop computer or
other electronic device, without increasing the size or the device
when stowed or transported. Various embodiments of the present
invention may be provided.
One embodiment of the present invention comprises an ergonomic
laptop computer apparatus that provides a user with a more
comfortable angle for the user's wrists and hands while using the
computer. The apparatus includes a keyboard housing having a top
surface comprising a plurality of keys, a bottom surface
operationally connected to a main computer body, and positioning
supports connected to the keyboard housing that extend and adjust
to allow the keyboard to change its slope relative to the main
computer body. The apparatus may be included on laptop computers as
manufactured and sold, or sold as a retrofit kit that replaces
existing non-ergonomic laptop keyboards.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus that
includes a main computer body, a display body operationally
connected to the main computer body, a keyboard housing having a
top surface comprising a plurality of keys, a bottom surface
operationally connected to the main computer body, a front edge
closest to a user, a back edge farthest from the user, two side
edges, and positioning supports functionally connected to the
keyboard housing operable for extending and adjusting the slope of
the keyboard housing relative to the underlying main computer
body.
In an embodiment, the keyboard housing defines an embedded
compartment in the main computer body and the front edge of the
keyboard housing is pivotally connected to the main computer body,
allowing for the back edge of the keyboard to be raised while the
front edge pivots about an axis or rotation. The positioning
supports include legs, a flap, thumbscrews, rods, or any other
suitable mechanism that can support the slope and weight of the
keyboard while in an elevated position. The positioning support
provides for the slope adjustment of the keyboard housing in
discrete steps and continuous adjustment, allowing the user options
in keyboard slope angles.
The present invention provides for an ergonomic advancement while
the computer is being used, and compact and easy to retract
ergonomics that do not interfere with the size or portability of
the laptop computer. The user has the option of using the ergonomic
advancement or typing on the keyboard in a traditional
non-ergonomic position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present
invention illustrating an ergonomic keyboard in a raised position,
showing collapsible controllably extendable supportive members,
with the front edge of the keyboard pivotally and functionally
connected to the main computer base;
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the device of FIG. 1
illustrating the movement of one embodiment of two positioning
supports;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the ergonomic keyboard of
FIG. 1 in a retracted position and the display folded onto the main
computer base;
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a keyboard housing removed
from the main computer base in order to illustrate one embodiment
of thumbscrew positioning supports; and
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a keyboard housing removed
from the main computer base in order to illustrate one embodiment
of a flap positioning support.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As required, a detailed description of the present invention is
disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that
may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and
as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. A
laptop computer 1 includes a main computer body 10 with an embedded
keyboard 14, and a display unit 12. The computer body 10 is
electronically connected with the keyboard 14 and the display unit
12. The keyboard comprises a housing 14 having a top surface, a
bottom surface, a front edge closest to the user, a rear edge
farthest from the user, and two side edges. The keyboard includes a
plurality of keys on the top surface having the standard QWERTY
configuration. Alternative embodiments may include other keyboard
layouts, such as a split keyboard.
The keyboard housing 14 defines a cavity 24 in the main computer
base 10. The cavity 24 is a recess in which the keyboard housing 14
resides while the keyboard is in both elevated and retracted
positions. Keyboard positioning supports 16 are connected at two
ends to the bottom surface of the keyboard housing 14 at the rear
edge, the side edges, or both. Referring to FIG. 1, two positioning
supports 16 are disposed on the bottom surface of the keyboard
housing 14, proximal to the rear edge. The positioning supports 16
comprise legs attached at one of their ends to the keyboard housing
14, and fold into a recess in the bottom surface of the keyboard
housing 14, allowing them to store flush with the bottom surface of
the keyboard housing 14. In an alternative embodiment, one
positioning support is connected to the keyboard housing 14, and
folds and retracts in the manner described above.
The length of the positioning support 16 is adjustable and/or
extendable in order to adjust the slope of the keyboard 14 with
respect to the underlying main computer body 10. The keyboard
housing 14 includes a recess 19 for storing the positioning support
16 when retracted. The recess is of a specific size and shape to
accommodate a specific positioning support and allow the support to
be stored flush with the housing. The positioning support 16 is
made of a material sufficiently strong enough to support the weight
of the keyboard 14 and typing pressure applied by the user.
Preferably, the overall stability of the laptop computer 1 is not
compromised in any way. The positioning supports are connected to
the keyboard housing using screws, bolts, glue, or like fastening
mechanisms. In an alternative embodiment, the positioning supports
16 may be fastened to a molded piece of the keyboard housing
14.
Referring to FIG. 2, the main computer base 10 includes a cavity 24
in which the keyboard housing 14 rests. The computer base 10 may
also include a receiver 21 for receiving the positioning support
16. The receiver 21 may comprise a recess, a pad, or any other
suitable mechanism for receiving a positioning support 16 and
providing stability to the keyboard housing 14.
The slope of the keyboard 14, relative to the computer base 10, is
adjusted by raising the rear edge of the keyboard housing 14 up
from the underlying main computer base 10. The rear edge is
extracted and/or retracted using a mechanism 20, such as a lever,
push button, finger indent, or other method for accessing and
raising the rear edge of the keyboard housing. The extracting
and/or retracting mechanism 20 may be found anywhere on the main
computer body 10, the keyboard housing 14 or both. In one
embodiment, the extracting mechanism is an indent 20 on the rear
edge of the keyboard housing 14 adjacent to the rear edge of the
computer base cavity 24. When the positioning support 16 is
retracted into or against the keyboard housing 14, the keyboard 14
lies flush with the top of the computer base 10 and does not affect
the ability of the laptop computer 1 to close properly. When the
positioning support 16 is at a user desired extension position, the
keyboard 14 is sloped providing for a more comfortable typing
position.
The front edge of the keyboard housing 14 is pivotally connected 18
to the main computer base 10. This allows for the keyboard housing
14 to remain securely connected to the main computer base 10 while
the rear edge of the keyboard housing 14 is in a raised position.
In a further embodiment, a ratchet hinge, or like mechanism, is
used at the pivot attachment point 18 to provide additional
support. The adjustable locking ratchet hinge has an adjustable
friction resistance and allows retention of the keyboard housing 14
at any desired angle. In still another embodiment, the ratchet
hinge or like mechanism may provide for keyboard housing 14 support
alone, without the aid of a rear edge connected keyboard 14
positioning support 16. The ratchet hinge or like mechanism, may
have a lever, button, latch, or like actuating mechanism for
operation.
Referring to FIG. 3, when the positioning support (16, FIG. 1) is
retracted into or against the keyboard housing (14, FIG. 1), the
keyboard lies flush with the top of the computer base 10 and does
not affect the ability of the laptop display 12 to close properly
onto the main computer base 10.
The positioning supports (16, FIG. 1) may be adjusted by the user
by raising up the rear edge of the keyboard housing 14 in any
manner described above, and physically extending the positioning
support 16. In all the embodiments shown, the support 16 is not
moved by motors or gears, but other embodiments may include a motor
or gear supporting or adjusting the keyboard. The positioning
support 16 may comprise one or more of the following: a leg, a
flap, a thumbscrew, a rod, or any other suitable mechanism for
support.
Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, positioning support 16
comprises a thumbscrew 30. The thumbscrew may comprise a flat-sided
or knurled head so that it may be turned by the thumb and
forefinger, allowing for continuous adjustment. Referring to FIG.
5, in an alternative embodiment, the positioning support comprises
a flap 32. The flap may be of any size, length, and thickness. In
one embodiment, the flap 32 folds into a recess in the keyboard
housing 32 and rests flush against the housing 14.
As stated above, the positioning support may be connected to the
keyboard housing using screws, snaps, hinges, latches, pins,
fasteners or any other suitable mechanism for attachment. The
positioning support 16 is able to be adjusted to varying angles,
heights and positions. The positioning support 16 provides for a
continual keyboard 14 slope adjustment and discrete steps of
adjustment. Adjustment may be accomplished by a thumbscrew, slots,
ratchet hinge, friction mechanism, or any other mechanism that
provides for continual or discrete step adjustment. According to
various embodiments, the positioning supports 16 have a fixed
orientation or fold, retract or telescope.
In an alternative embodiment, the positioning support 16 includes a
spring mechanism. In such an embodiment, the keyboard housing 14 is
raised up as described above. The positioning support 16 is then
extended providing for a desired slope of the keyboard 14. The
spring mechanism provides a way of retracting the positioning
support 16. A user simply pulls up slightly on the keyboard housing
14 and the support 16 automatically retracts, providing an easy way
of returning the keyboard 14 to its flush position. In a further
embodiment, the spring mechanism positioning support 16 is
retracted using a switch, button, lever or other spring triggering
mechanism.
In one embodiment, the ergonomic keyboard 14 of the present
invention is a standard feature included in the manufacture of a
new laptop computer (1, FIG. 1). In an alternative embodiment, the
keyboard 14 is a retrofit item allowing for the replacement of an
existing non-ergonomic keyboard with the ergonomic keyboard 14 of
the present invention. If a keyboard in a currently existing laptop
computer breaks, replacements are available. The present invention
provides for a process in which a retrofit ergonomic keyboard 14 is
installed in a laptop computer 1 in order to replace an existing,
non-ergonomic keyboard. The process comprises removing the
non-ergonomic keyboard from the main computer body, attaching the
new retrofit keyboard to the main computer body operationally, and
at the pivot point 18. The retrofit keyboard 14 includes a keyboard
housing 14 with one or more slope adjustment positioning supports
16 and the necessary components for functionally connecting the
keyboard to the main computer base (10, FIG. 1), such as a front
edge pivot point (18, FIG. 2) attachment. The connection components
may include some sort of wire, wireless, or infra-red interface
that operationally attaches the keyboard 14 to the main computer
base 10. The retrofit keyboard 14 kit may additionally include a
cover that will protect the hardware within the main computer base
10 when the ergonomic keyboard 14 is installed.
In alternative embodiments, newly manufactured, as well as retrofit
ergonomic keyboards 14, are not limited to use in laptop computers.
Any device containing a keyboard may include the apparatus of the
present invention, such as personal digital assistants, pocket PCs,
and other portable handheld computers.
Apparatus and processes providing for ergonomics in portable
computers and other electronic devices have been described herein.
These, and other variations, which will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art, are within the intended scope of this invention
as claimed below. It is to be understood that the present invention
may be embodied with various other changes, modifications and
improvements, which may occur to those skilled in the art, without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *